Season kicks off in fine style

It was a dream start to the Absa Premiership as 15 goals were scored – with at least one of them being a contender for Goal-of-theSeason – and none of the matches ended in a goalless draw.

Golden Arrows’ Knox Mutizwa (above) scored with a brilliant overhead kick to give Abafana Bes’thende the lead in the KwaZulu-Natal derby yesterday afternoon. His goal will be remembered for the rest of the season. Lerato Lamola secured the win in the dying minutes.

Embattled Bloemfontein Celtic also got off to a winning start under new coach Steve Komphela as they beat Chippa United 2-0 also yesterday afternoon. Tebogo Potsane and Tshegofatso Mabasa scored for Phunya Sele-Sele who have been under financial difficulties as some players could not be paid their June salaries.

Premiership new boys Highlands Park and Black Leopards had good starts. The Lions of the North will thank their lucky stars for the draw they earned at Orlando Pirates. Lidoda Duvha scored early to register their first win over Limpopo neighbours Polokwane City.

Benni McCarthy’s Cape Town City got their campaign off to a winning start, beating a hapless SuperSport United 2-0. Gavin Hunt’s Bidvest Wits, who had a terrible run last season, also registered a win on matchday one, beating Free State Stars 2-0.

It was however not a good weekend for last season’s form teams as none of those who finished in the top five won.

Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a draw by Kaizer Chiefs while Orlando Pirates also couldn’t find any joy against Highlands.